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Darjeeling tea

Darjeeling tea is a tea produced from *Camellia sinensis var.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Darjeeling tea is a tea produced from *Camellia sinensis var. sinensis* grown and processed in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, India. Since 2004, the name has been a registered geographical indication for tea from designated estates in that region. It is best known as a black tea, though some estates also produce green, white, and oolong teas.

Definition

Darjeeling tea refers to tea made from *Camellia sinensis var. sinensis* grown and processed in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal. The designation is legally tied to specific estates within that region.

Geographical indication

Since 2004, Darjeeling tea has been a registered geographical indication in India. This protects the name for tea produced in the defined geographic area.

Production and style

Darjeeling tea is most commonly made as black tea, but some estates also produce green, white, and oolong teas. The region’s tea gardens are known for hand-plucked leaf production and for teas sold by estate and flush.

Flavour and reputation

Darjeeling tea is often described as aromatic and distinctive, and is frequently called the "Champagne of teas." The reputation is closely linked to the region’s elevation, climate, and processing methods.

Key facts

  • Darjeeling tea is defined by both its botanical type and its geographic origin in eastern India.
  • The term has protected status as a registered geographical indication.
  • Most Darjeeling tea is processed as black tea.
  • Some estates also produce Darjeeling-style green, white, and oolong teas.
  • The tea is widely associated with a distinctive flavour and aroma profile.
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Canadian context

Darjeeling tea is commonly sold and consumed in Canada through specialty tea retailers, grocery stores, and cafés, and it is familiar to Canadian readers as a premium black tea style.

Frequently asked questions

What is Darjeeling tea?
Darjeeling tea is tea grown and processed in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, India, from *Camellia sinensis var. sinensis*.
Is Darjeeling tea a type of black tea?
Yes. Darjeeling tea is usually processed as black tea, although some estates also make green, white, and oolong teas.
Why is Darjeeling tea special?
It has a distinctive aroma and flavour and is protected by geographical indication status, which limits use of the name to tea from the defined region.
Where is Darjeeling tea produced?
It is produced in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, India.
When did Darjeeling tea become a geographical indication?
The term Darjeeling tea has been a registered geographical indication since 2004.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea
    Supports: Definition, origin districts, botanical source, registered geographical indication since 2004, and production of black, green, white, and oolong teas.
  2. Tea Board of India — https://www.teaboard.gov.in/TEABOARDCSM/NQ==
    Supports: Darjeeling's location in the state of West Bengal in northeastern India.
  3. Paper & Tea — https://www.paperandtea.com/blogs/journal/darjeeling-the-champagne-of-teas
    Supports: Common description of Darjeeling tea as the 'Champagne of teas' and its reputation.
  4. Hackberry Tea — https://www.hackberrytea.com/blogs/tea-education/darjeeling-tea-explained-history-flushes-and-flavor
    Supports: General explanation of Darjeeling tea's origin and its association with a distinctive flavour profile.